Bailey Zimmerman Earns Diamond Certification In Canada For “Rock and a Hard Place”

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Grossi (Director, National Radio and Media Relations, WMC), Madelaine Napoleone (Co-GM, WMC), Tracy Martin (The Core), Simon Tikhman (The Core), Bailey Zimmerman, Chief Zaruk (The Core), Dave Stelling (Director, Communications, WMC), Ken Boyer (Senior Marketing Manager, WMC). Photo: masonn1k
Bailey Zimmerman has earned a diamond certification in Canada for his single “Rock and a Hard Place,” with over 144 million streams in Canada alone. This marks the first time the track has reached Diamond status in any territory.
During his sold-out Different Night, Same Rodeo tour, Warner Music Canada surprised Zimmerman at his Toronto show at the RBC Amphitheatre. Serving as the biggest show of the entire Canadian tour, the award was presented to him live on stage in front of the 15,000 fans in attendance.
Ian Munsick Previews New Album With Exclusive Industry Listening Event

Pictured (L-R): Annie Ortmeier (Triple Tigers), Caroline Munsick (Not A Public Figure Management), Ian Munsick, Kevin Herring (Triple Tigers), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers). Photo: Ryan Camp
Ian Munsick previewed his fourth studio album, The Mountain Goat, on Wednesday (June 17) at The Estelle in Nashville, Tennessee to an intimate audience of industry professionals. The Mountain Goat is Munsick’s first project via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS / Triple Tigers Records and arrives Aug. 21.
Steve Wariner Appears On WSM

Pictured (L-R): WSM’s Charlie Mattos, Annie Ney, STEVE WARINER, WSM’s Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton. Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Publicity
Steve Wariner recently joined WSM in studio for the final Coffee, Country & Cody show to share heartfelt memories of the late Bill Cody. Wariner also talked about his upcoming “The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner” art exhibit.
ACM Hosts Pride Takeover

Pictured (L-R): Haley Montgomery, Chris Housman, Adam Mac, Kaitlin Butts, Brooke Eden, Vidalia Anne Gentry, Anthony Green (WME) and Damon Whiteside.
ACM hosted its ACM Pride Takeover: Y’all Means All last week at Canvas, an LGBTQIA2S+ owned and operated venue in East Nashville.
Hosted by local drag queen Vidalia Anne Gentry and DJ Griffin Green, the evening featured performances from co-headliners The Cowgays, which includes Brooke Eden, Chris Housman and Adam Mac, alongside Kaitlin Butts.
The Haley Gallery At CMHOFM To Host ‘We’re Still Here’ Exhibit

The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in collaboration with the IndigeNash Collective and The Forge Nashville, will exhibit the work of Navajo artist Jeremy Salazar. We’re Still Here will include painted and photographic works. Raised on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, Salazar is a self-taught artist who has gained national recognition for contemporary Native artwork that centers Indigenous perspectives, celebrates lived experience and expands conventional narratives surrounding Native identity through his studio moniker, Three Feather Studios.
The exhibition is free and open to the public beginning the evening of July 16 through Sept. 11. The gallery will host a reception with the artist to celebrate the exhibition’s opening on July 16.
Match Records Releases New Album On Vinyl

MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, MTSU’s Denise Shackelford and Caleb Villatoro, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Lauryn Sink and Madison Hahnen.
Match Records, MTSU’s student-run record label, recently released their new album and stopped by the MusicRow office to share a look at the project.
The album was almost entirely written, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered by MTSU students, providing them with a hands-on opportunity to experience the full recording and manufacturing process from start to finish.
Tommy Wallen, Morgan Wallen’s Dad, Launches Faith-Based Show on SiriusXM

Tommy Wallen, Morgan Wallen’s dad, has launched a new faith-based show on SiriusXM’s Morgan Wallen Radio (Ch. 64). The weekly series, “Tommy’s Sunday Seven,” will feature seven-minute devotionals and debuted yesterday (June 21).
“Each week, our time will be spent looking into the Bible,” he shares. “I’m not going to try to force what determines how I live on you. I just want to share with you what brought me out of a life of hopelessness because of alcoholism and drug addiction. We will approach this as if none of us have any knowledge of the Bible, so we can begin this journey together.”
Hannah Harper Signs With WME
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Alex Sera (WME), Hannah Harper, Morgan Kenney (WME) and Carlile Willett (WME). Photo: Courtesy of WME
Hannah Harper has signed with WME for global representation. Harper will be represented by agents Alex Sera, Carlile Willett and Morgan Kenney.
Harper began singing in her family’s bluegrass gospel group at age nine. The Missouri native later became a worship leader at a local church before embarking on a solo career. The 19 Recordings/Atlantic Records artist recently won Season 24 of American Idol.
“It’s a blessing to work alongside people who share the same goal: creating great music, serving others well and pointing people to Jesus along the way. I immediately connected with Morgan Kenney’s vision, heart and the way she champions the people she serves,” shares Harper. “I’m honored to be represented by WME and excited to see what doors this partnership may open. Grateful is an understatement.”
“I have tremendous admiration for Hannah. Her authenticity is rooted in her unwavering faith and strong family values. She possesses a rare combination of artistry, character and star power that resonates both on and off the stage,” adds Kenney. “We are honored to welcome her to WME and look forward to helping build the next chapter of her already remarkable journey.”
Harper will join Brad Paisley’s Live 2026 Tour and Lauren Alaina’s The Stages Tour on select dates this fall.
Carly Pearce Readies ‘Honest Woman’ For August
/by Lauryn SinkCarly Pearce will release her fifth studio album, Honest Woman, on Aug. 28 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The 16-track project leans into Pearce’s bluegrass roots, and features collaborations with Riley Green, Dan Tyminski and Molly Tuttle. Produced by Ben West, the album features writing credits from Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband, Carter Faith, Ashley Anne, Seth Ennis, Jordan Reynolds, Olivia DaPonte and more.
“When I started making Honest Woman, I found myself rediscovering who I am and why I wanted to be a country music singer in the first place,” says Pearce. “This album takes me back to the beginning of my story, where the sounds of classic country and bluegrass music shaped who I am. I’m so proud of this body of work, and I truly feel like it’s my best yet.”
Pearce will be performing special two-night residencies across North America this fall, kicking off Sept. 10 with two nights in Detroit. Pearce will also bring her “Honest Woman: Up Close” show to Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Toronto and Boston before concluding with two nights in New York City. Belle Frantz will join as support. Tickets go on sale Friday (June 26) following fan club pre-sale this week.
In celebration of the announcement, Pearce released a new track, “She Don’t.” She has also previewed the album with “Dream Come True,” “Church Girl,” “You Can Have Him,” and “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,” which is currently climbing the country charts.
Honest Woman Track List:
1. “Dream Come True” (Carly Pearce, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Emily Weisband)
2. “Church Girl” (Cameron Bedell, Seth Ennis, Carter Faith)
3. “She Don’t” (Matt Rossi, Bryan Simpson)
4. “You Can Have Him” (Carly Pearce , Tofer Brown, Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate)
5. “How Long” (Al Anderson, Jeffrey Steele)
6. “WWJD” (Devin Dawson, Seth Ennis, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds)
7. “Same Circus” (Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband)
8. “Happy For Myself” (Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband)
9. “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” Carly Pearce & Riley Green (Devin Dawson, Seth Ennis, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds)
10. “I Don’t Have The Heart” (Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband)
11. “He Don’t Like My Dogs” (Carly Pearce, Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds, Emily Weisband)
12. “Leave My Heart Alone” (Matt Dragstrem, Josh Miller, Thomas Rhett, Josh Thompson)
13. “Who’s Lying Here” Carly Pearce & Dan Tyminski (Carly Pearce, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Dan Tyminski)
14. “Daisy” (Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
15. “What If You Loved Me” Carly Pearce, Molly Tuttle & Dan Tyminski (Lauren Hungate, Jordan Reynolds, Parker Welling)
16. “Why God Why Me” (Ashley Anne, Averie Bielski, Olivia DaPonte, Fran Litterski)
TobyMac To Release ‘Heaven On My Mind – Guest List Edition’
/by Lorie HollabaughTobyMac will release Heaven On My Mind – Guest List Edition on Friday (June 26), an expanded version of his chart-topping album of collaborative tracks and fan favorites.
The leadoff track from the project is the new collaboration “Lord It Feels Good (with gio.),” the only previously unreleased track on the album. The expanded edition features guest versions of fan favorites including “Heaven On My Mind” with Forrest Frank, “God Did It” with Jamie MacDonald, “Nothin’ Sweeter (Extra Sweet Version)” with Jon Reddick, “Oh My Soul (Psalm 103)” with CeCe Winans, “Campfire (That Very Love)” with Third Day, and “Resist (Keep The Devil Away)” with Terrian as well as the fan-favorite “Heaven On My Mind (Petey Martin Remix).”
Since its release, Heaven On My Mind has continued TobyMac’s remarkable run on the charts. The album’s title track recently reached No. 1 on both the Billboard and Mediabase AC charts, extending his streak to eight consecutive No. 1s.
TobyMac is currently in the midst of his “Summer 2026 Tour,” with upcoming dates in Michigan, New York, New Hamphire and Maryland.
Heaven On My Mind – Guest List Edition Track List:
1. “Heaven On My Mind” (with Forrest Frank)
2. “Lord It Feels Good” (with gio.)
3. “God Did It” (with Jamie MacDonald)
4. “Nothin’ Sweeter (Extra Sweet Version)” (with Jon Reddick)
5. “Oh My Soul (Psalm 103)” (with CeCe Winans)
6. “Campfire (That Very Love)” (with Third Day)
7. “Heaven On My Mind (Petey Martin Remix)”
8. “Heaven On My Mind”
9. “Lord It Feels Good”
10. “Rearview” (with Juan Winans)
11. “God Did It”
12. “a lil Church (nobody’s too lost)”
13. “Resist (Keep The Devil Away)” (with Terrian)
14. “Been Through It”
15. “Can’t Stop Me”
16. “Nothin’ Sweeter”
17. “Oh My Soul (Psalm 103)”
18. “Campfire (That Very Love)”
19. “Goodbye (for Gabe)”
Industry Ink: Bailey Zimmerman, Ian Munsick, Steve Wariner, ACM, CMHOFM, More
/by Lauryn SinkBailey Zimmerman Earns Diamond Certification In Canada For “Rock and a Hard Place”
Pictured (L-R): Lisa Grossi (Director, National Radio and Media Relations, WMC), Madelaine Napoleone (Co-GM, WMC), Tracy Martin (The Core), Simon Tikhman (The Core), Bailey Zimmerman, Chief Zaruk (The Core), Dave Stelling (Director, Communications, WMC), Ken Boyer (Senior Marketing Manager, WMC). Photo: masonn1k
Bailey Zimmerman has earned a diamond certification in Canada for his single “Rock and a Hard Place,” with over 144 million streams in Canada alone. This marks the first time the track has reached Diamond status in any territory.
During his sold-out Different Night, Same Rodeo tour, Warner Music Canada surprised Zimmerman at his Toronto show at the RBC Amphitheatre. Serving as the biggest show of the entire Canadian tour, the award was presented to him live on stage in front of the 15,000 fans in attendance.
Ian Munsick Previews New Album With Exclusive Industry Listening Event
Pictured (L-R): Annie Ortmeier (Triple Tigers), Caroline Munsick (Not A Public Figure Management), Ian Munsick, Kevin Herring (Triple Tigers), Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers). Photo: Ryan Camp
Ian Munsick previewed his fourth studio album, The Mountain Goat, on Wednesday (June 17) at The Estelle in Nashville, Tennessee to an intimate audience of industry professionals. The Mountain Goat is Munsick’s first project via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS / Triple Tigers Records and arrives Aug. 21.
Steve Wariner Appears On WSM
Pictured (L-R): WSM’s Charlie Mattos, Annie Ney, STEVE WARINER, WSM’s Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton. Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Publicity
Steve Wariner recently joined WSM in studio for the final Coffee, Country & Cody show to share heartfelt memories of the late Bill Cody. Wariner also talked about his upcoming “The Flip Side: Paintings by Steve Wariner” art exhibit.
ACM Hosts Pride Takeover
Pictured (L-R): Haley Montgomery, Chris Housman, Adam Mac, Kaitlin Butts, Brooke Eden, Vidalia Anne Gentry, Anthony Green (WME) and Damon Whiteside.
ACM hosted its ACM Pride Takeover: Y’all Means All last week at Canvas, an LGBTQIA2S+ owned and operated venue in East Nashville.
Hosted by local drag queen Vidalia Anne Gentry and DJ Griffin Green, the evening featured performances from co-headliners The Cowgays, which includes Brooke Eden, Chris Housman and Adam Mac, alongside Kaitlin Butts.
The Haley Gallery At CMHOFM To Host ‘We’re Still Here’ Exhibit
The Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in collaboration with the IndigeNash Collective and The Forge Nashville, will exhibit the work of Navajo artist Jeremy Salazar. We’re Still Here will include painted and photographic works. Raised on the Navajo Nation in New Mexico, Salazar is a self-taught artist who has gained national recognition for contemporary Native artwork that centers Indigenous perspectives, celebrates lived experience and expands conventional narratives surrounding Native identity through his studio moniker, Three Feather Studios.
The exhibition is free and open to the public beginning the evening of July 16 through Sept. 11. The gallery will host a reception with the artist to celebrate the exhibition’s opening on July 16.
Match Records Releases New Album On Vinyl
MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge, MTSU’s Denise Shackelford and Caleb Villatoro, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Lauryn Sink and Madison Hahnen.
Match Records, MTSU’s student-run record label, recently released their new album and stopped by the MusicRow office to share a look at the project.
The album was almost entirely written, performed, recorded, mixed and mastered by MTSU students, providing them with a hands-on opportunity to experience the full recording and manufacturing process from start to finish.
Tommy Wallen, Morgan Wallen’s Dad, Launches Faith-Based Show on SiriusXM
Tommy Wallen, Morgan Wallen’s dad, has launched a new faith-based show on SiriusXM’s Morgan Wallen Radio (Ch. 64). The weekly series, “Tommy’s Sunday Seven,” will feature seven-minute devotionals and debuted yesterday (June 21).
“Each week, our time will be spent looking into the Bible,” he shares. “I’m not going to try to force what determines how I live on you. I just want to share with you what brought me out of a life of hopelessness because of alcoholism and drug addiction. We will approach this as if none of us have any knowledge of the Bible, so we can begin this journey together.”
Taylor Swift Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift performs onstage during night one of “The Eras Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Taylor Swift has entered the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Her newly released “I Knew It, I Knew You” puts the global star at No. 7 this week, along with her co-writer Jack Antonoff at No. 8.
Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the ninth consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Loving Life Again.” Joybeth Taylor moves to No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore.”
Riley Green (No. 3), Austin Goodloe (No. 4) and Randy Montana (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Deadmau5 To Headline Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix
/by Lorie HollabaughThe global Electronic Music superstar anchors a full weekend of on-and off-track action, and Sunday’s Race Day lineup will also feature performances from the Backbeat Troubadours featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Mark Collie and Chase Wright before the green flag.
“This lineup has the kind of range we love to see on a Nashville stage,” says Big Machine Founder & Chairman Scott Borchetta. “With deadmau5 and Backbeat Troubadours, we’re adding a major live music moment to a weekend that already brings together the world’s game and the fastest racing on Earth in a uniquely Nashville way.”
Race tickets include access to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES race, concerts, fan activities, and other race weekend entertainment. In conjunction with the World Cup Final, each ticket also includes entry into Match Day at The Pub, a FOX Sports World Cup Final Watch Party experience created in partnership with FOX Sports, featuring large screens, food and beverages, lounge areas, foosball and gaming stations, interactive soccer activations and creator-led fan engagement inside the race weekend footprint. Fans looking to get closer to the action can purchase add on experiences, including Weekend Garage Passes and Weekend Pit Passes, while supplies last.
“A race in Music City deserves an entertainment lineup that lives up to the name,” adds Event President Anne Fischgrund. “From a global headliner like deadmau5 to special appearances from the Backbeat Troubadours, we’re bringing together an incredible mix of artists that reflects the energy and spirit of Nashville. With more local and regional performers still to be announced, race weekend will showcase the very best of Music City. Combined with the FOX World Cup Final Watch Party and the Fastest Racing on Earth, fans can expect a weekend unlike anything else on the sports and entertainment calendar.”
Tickets are on sale now.
Alan Jackson’s Sold-Out Final Concert To Be Live-Streamed In Downtown Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughAlan Jackson. Photo: David McClister
Alan Jackson’s sold-out “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale Concert” at Nissan Stadium is set to be live streamed for fans on Broadway in downtown Nashville.
Presented by Edward Jones, “Keepin’ It Country on Broadway” will air the concert, which includes a star-studded lineup of artists who will join Jackson to celebrate his career and legacy, in real time. Set to perform during the special evening are Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Thomas Rhett, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Lee Ann Womack, Adam Wright, Big City Brian Wright, and Carlisle Wright.
Before the concert begins, live music will be provided on Broadway by James Carothers and Cory Farley, both of whom have opened for Jackson on tour and are regularly featured performers at AJ’s Good Time Bar. Jackson’s four-story bar just steps away from the “Keepin’ It Country” stage and screen on Broadway is marking a decade as the first of many artist-themed establishments in the heart of Music City.
The gates open at 4 p.m. CT for “Keepin’ It Country on Broadway,” and stage performances begin at 5 p.m. CT, with the livestream concert following shortly after 6 p.m.
Ella Langley Extends ‘The Dandelion Tour’ Through October
/by Lorie HollabaughElla Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Ella Langley has added 21 new dates to her sold-out “The Dandelion Tour,” extending the tour through October.
The newly-announced leg kicks off Aug. 20 in Green Bay, and includes stops across the country, including performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, two nights at Los Angeles’ famed Greek Theatre, as well as stops in Oxford, Jacksonville, Tulsa, Lubbock, and more through Oct. 31. ERNEST, Kameron Marlowe, Gabriella Rose and Laci Kaye Booth will join as rotating support.
Tickets to “The Dandelion Tour” will be available for pre-sale beginning on Thursday, (June 25) with general on-sale beginning on June 26.
Fresh off a sweep at the ACM Awards where she won every award she was nominated for and two recent American Music Award wins, Langley’s No. 1, Platinum album Dandelion has produced two of the year’s biggest country records: the history-making 4x Platinum single “Choosin’ Texas,” (which became the first song by a woman to simultaneously top the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts), and the Platinum hit “Be Her,” which recently became the fastest solo female song to reach No. 1 at country radio in the last decade.
“The Dandelion Tour” Dates:
8/20/26- Green Bay, WI- Resch Center (#, %)
8/22/26- North Little Rock, AR- Simmons Bank Arena (#, %)
8/28/26- Auburn, AL- Neville Arena (#, &)
8/29/26- Auburn, AL- Neville Arena (#, &)
9/10/26- Newark, NJ- Prudential Center (#, &)
9/11/26- State College, PA- Bryce Jordan Center (#, &)
9/12/26- Charleston, WV- Charleston Coliseum (#, &)
9/17/26- Oxford, MS- SJB Pavilion (@, %)
9/18/26- Athens, GA- Akins Ford Arena (@, %)
9/19/26- Jacksonville, FL- Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena (@, %)
9/24/26- Knoxville, TN- Food City Center (@, %)
9/25/26- Columbus, OH- Schottenstein Center (@, %)
9/26/26- Moline, IL- Vibrant Arena (@, %)
10/7/26- Morrison, CO- Red Rocks Amphitheatre (@, &)
10/9/26- Tulsa, OK- BOK Center (@, %)
10/10/26- Lubbock, TX- United Supermarkets Arena (@, %)
10/13/26- Los Angeles, CA- The Greek Theatre (@, %)
10/14/26- Los Angeles, CA- The Greek Theatre (@, %)
10/29/26- Des Moines, IA- Casey’s Center (@, &)
10/30/26- Lincoln, NE- Pinnacle Bank Arena (@, &)
10/31/26- Saint Paul, MN- Grand Casino Arena (@, &)
Support Acts
# ERNEST
@ Kameron Marlowe
& Gabriella Rose
% Laci Kaye Booth
Andrew Baylis Inks With Prescription Songs
/by Madison HahnenAndrew Baylis
Platinum-selling producer and songwriter Andrew Baylis has signed with Prescription Songs, joining their Nashville roster through A&Rs Christian Conant and Sophia Battaglia.
Known for his work in both country and rock music, Baylis has contributed to a number of successful releases, including the RIAA Gold-certified singles “Dead Man Walking” by Jelly Roll, “Creeps” by Koe Wetzel, and “Son of the Dirty South” by Brantley Gilbert featuring Jelly Roll. His credits also include songs from Jelly Roll’s Platinum-certified album Whitsitt Chapel, such as “Kill A Man,” “Unlive,” and “Behind Bars,” along with “Back To Me” by The Rose, “Pray All The Way Home” by Austin Snell, “Can’t Take It With You” by Ole 60, “Kill Me” by Kolby Cooper, and Atlus’ current country radio single “Hold My Liquor.”
He has also worked with artists including Pecos & The Rooftops, Sleeping With Sirens, Doobie, Yung Gravy, Shaylen, Yelawolf, Lakeview, Lanie Gardner, Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Sterling Elza, Teddy Swims, Michael Whitworth, Geoff Warburton, Ashley Gorley, Riley Thomas, and members of The Red Clay Strays.
“I’m excited to be partnering with Prescription Songs here in Nashville,” shares Baylis. “As someone who loves to bend genres and songwriting to the limits, I think they are the perfect fit for me!”
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Baylis for a few years now, and getting to see what he’s accomplished in a short time since moving to town has been remarkable,” says Conant. “He’s a great friend and a brilliant songwriter/producer. I feel honored to be welcoming him into the Prescription Songs family and championing his work for years to come!”
“I feel incredibly fortunate to be working with Baylis in this new chapter in his career,” adds Battaglia. “I’m continually inspired by his creative approach and a genuine fan of everything he does. I’m thrilled to welcome him to the RX Songs family!”
Music Industry Veteran Clive Davis Passes At 94
/by Lauryn SinkClive Davis.
Clive Davis passed away today (June 22) at his home in Manhattan. He was 94.
A Brooklyn, New York native, Davis graduated from Harvard Law School in 1956 and began as an in-house lawyer at Columbia Records a few years later. He rose to President of the company in 1967.
In 1974, he took charge of the Bell label and renamed it Arista, signing artists including Patti Smith, the Kinks, Lou Reed, Gil Scott-Heron and Aretha Franklin. In 1983, he signed Whitney Houston, who he championed for the rest of her career. He co-founded Arista Nashville in 1989 with Tim DuBois, which became the home to Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Pam Tillis and Brad Paisley among many others.
In 2000, he founded J Records, which launched the careers of Alicia Keys and Maroon 5.
Also in 2000, Davis was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a nonperformer. In 2002, he endowed the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music, an undergraduate music industry program at N.Y.U.’s Tisch School of the Arts with a $5 million donation. Davis was well known for his annual Grammy Awards parties, which he began 1976. The events were often attended by A-list musicians, politicians and more.
Davis is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and his partner, Greg Schriefer.
“To the world, our father was the iconic music legend whose vision, instincts, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the soundtrack of countless lives,” his family shared in a statement. “He discovered, mentored, and championed the greatest artists in modern music history, leaving an indelible mark on culture that will endure for generations. To his family, Clive was Dad and Granddaddy, the steady presence at the center of our lives, the source of wisdom, strength, encouragement, and unconditional love. No matter how extraordinary his professional accomplishments, he never lost sight of what mattered most: the people he loved. Through every chapter of his remarkable life, family remained Clive’s greatest pride and deepest joy. Today, we celebrate not only a towering figure whose influence changed music forever, but the man who led our family with grace, generosity, and kindness. We will miss him greatly, cherish him always, and carry his love with us for the rest of our lives.”